11/07/07 Protecting Idaho's open spaces

Trying to protect Idaho's scenic beauty. I'm Bill Scott. Today's Idaho Ag News is next. An alliance of farm, conservation and sporting groups want to see the Ranch, Farm and Forest Protection Act enacted into law next year. .Growth is changing the state's once all-rural landscape. Gem County rancher Jim Little has watched forest and range land disappear. LITTLE "As I've watched this kind of helter skelter direction we're going in, what's this going to look like in 50 years and I don't think any of us are going to like it very well." Farmer Emma Atchley has watched spectacular sunrises over the Tetons and now she's watching the Driggs rooflines rising off into the distance. ATCHLEY "You never get that agricultural or that open view ever again. Its going forever and those are the kinds of grounds we want to preserve." Atchley and Little have joined with sportsmen and conservation groups to try to preserve some of Idaho's scenic lands. They began their effort in 2005 and are working to get the Ranch, Farm and Forest Protection Act passed during the 2008 Idaho legislative session. Livestock operator Margaret Soulen SOULEN "What people value in Idaho, they value the wildlife, they value the large open landscapes, they value the ability to be outdoors and have room to recreate on." We're talking public and private lands here. Part two of the story tomorrow. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott